OUR AFL Fantasy study is in full swing as we’ve sat down to watch the first six matches of the NAB Challenge.
Which players have impressed The Traders so far?
GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD
Simonds Stadium, February 12
Kicking off the carnival of footy, the Cats won the match with veteran defender Corey Enright (125 Fantasy points) topping the scores with 36 disposals. Steve Johnson (94), the most expensive Fantasy player this year, racked up 29 disposals in just 50 per cent time on ground.
Steele Sidebottom (117) was best for the Magpies as he enjoyed extended time on the bal lin the absence of Dane Swan while Scott Pendlebury (98) wore the green vest. It was exciting to watch the new captain come on in the second quarter scoring 39 points for the term.
Dayne Beams (115) demonstrated why he will be one of the most popular midfielders this year at the bargain price of $498,800.
Former Giant Taylor Adams (116) was very impressive in his first game in the black and white. His 32 disposals and five tackles put him on the radar as a player that may increase in value from his $445,400.
Cameron Guthrie (95) spent a fair bit of time playing in the midfield for the Cats and at just $301,000, a role like this in the home and away season will see his Fantasy price sky-rocket.
HAWTHORN v BRISBANE LIONS
Etihad Stadium, February 13
An undermanned Lions outfit were beaten by the Hawks to the tune of 131 points.
Sam Mitchell (118) has been named as a DEF/MID this year and he gave us no reason to think he won’t be one of the highest scoring defenders this season, collecting 33 possessions.
It was a great return for Matt Suckling (77) who spent the last 12 months on the sidelines due to a knee injury and he should be good to go in round one.
24 disposals for Ryan Lester (103) saw him as the only Lion to crack the Fantasy ton. Dayne Zorko (58) has been talked up for more midfield time and he spent most of his game there. Whilst his score wasn’t huge, he did only play 50 per cent of the game. Keep him on the watch list.
First round draftee James Aish (66) made a good start to his time in Lions' colours with 14 disposals.
RICHMOND v MELBOURNE
Etihad Stadium, February 14
Paul Roos couldn’t have asked for a better start to his time at Melbourne with an impressive 14-point win over the Tigers.
Although we saw some great numbers from Jack Trengove (130) and new Demon Bernie Vince (105), our eyes were on the players offering AFL Fantasy value this year. Former Docker Viv Michie (87), a bargain at $193,900, looked at home in the midfield.
Another recruit, former Giant Dom Tyson (56) finished with 15 disposals all from just 41 per cent game time.
Small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris (69) kicked three goals to well and truly put himself on the Fantasy watch list. He can be selected as a forward for $157,200.
Keep an eye on Alexis Georgiou (70) as a cash cow. The defender is valued at just $115,200 and showed enough to say he might get a chance with the Demons early in the season.
Under Roos, Melbourne’s disposal tally of 446 in this match was its second-highest ever recorded in any competition. A good sign for Fantasy points this season.
Dustin Martin (86) played the half-back role that he has been training for over the pre-season. Brett Deledio (88) was the best Fantasy performer for the Tigers. Don’t go making too many rash decisions with your Richmond players at this stage. Wait on their next match against the Magpies to see where they’re at.
NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON
Eureka Stadium, February 15
North Melbourne midfielder Jack Ziebell (147) was an absolute Fantasy beast at North Ballarat despite his side’s loss. 29 disposals and a massive 12 tackles made him the highest scoring player of the NAB Challenge matches so far. He is certainly one to watch as he looks to average over 100 for the first time in his career.
Ryan Bastinac (126) was very busy and ex-Saint Nick Dal Santo (91) made a positive debut at his new club.
Father-son draftee Luke McDonald (66) didn’t do his chances of selection for round one any harm with 20 disposals and five marks.
Former Bulldog and Swan Andrejs Everitt (84) played both forward and back kicking three goals for Carlton.
ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE
Richmond Oval, February 16
An undermanned Power went down to the Crows at Richmond Oval by 10 goals.
Matthew Wright (139) had a great Fantasy pre-season last year and the first week of the 2014 NAB Challenge was no different, finishing with 36 disposals. Eddie Betts (99) kicked five goals on debut for the Crows.
Draftee and brother of Brad, Matthew Crouch (85) and his 24 disposals were the talk of the Fantasy community. At $203,200, he will be a very popular midfield option.
The top scorer for the Power was Fantasy-relevant midfielder Jared Polec (91). He took his opportunity with the big guns out of the side and had 12 kicks, eight handballs, seven marks and five tackles.
Polec may not quite be best 22 material just yet, but this performance helped his case for an early debut.
GOLD COAST v ESSENDON
Metricon Stadium, February 17
The Suns snatched the win thanks to a rushed behind off Gary Ablett’s (92) last-second shot on goal.
Ablett had 31 disposals but was a little handball happy and didn’t get full Fantasy value.
There is nothing to worry about with the little master - he’ll be topping 110 as soon as the season begins.
David Zaharakis (145) finished with game-high 43 disposals to be the highest scoring player for the night.
Michael Hibberd (108) had a breakout season in 2013 and demonstrated tonight that he may be one of the highest scoring Fantasy defenders again this year.
For the Suns, DEF/MID David Swallow (88) enjoyed spending more time through the midfield. His stocks will rise after this performance and at $377,000, he offers value for Fantasy coaches willing to take the punt.
After a quiet start to the game, Jack Martin (62) had a busy second quarter scoring 31 points. Keep an eye on him in the next NAB Challenge game.
With the injury to Tom Bellchambers, the Bombers may look to rookie Fraser Thurlow (54) to support Patrick Ryder. He won 15 hitouts and collected 12 disposals in his limited time on ground.
The Traders will be back after the next batch of NAB Challenge games to see who should find a place on your NAB AFL Fantasy watch list. In the meantime, follow @AFLFantasy on Twitter and like AFL Fantasy on Facebook.
